Lionel Messi gets nominated for FIFA Best Award: Fair decision or bias?

Lionel Messi's FIFA Best nomination has divided fans and pundits, with questions surrounding his performances in MLS compared to players excelling in Europe's top leagues. The debate intensified as Cristiano Ronaldo's exclusion added another layer of controversy to the discussion.

In Short

• Messi’s MLS stats raised doubts about FIFA Best nomination criteria
• Ronaldo’s snub reignited comparisons between Messi and his rival
• Critics questioned MLS’s competitiveness compared to Europe’s top leagues

Lionel Messi’s name carries unmatched weight in football, but his nomination for the 2024 FIFA Best Men’s Player Award has sparked a heated debate. While his loyal fans are happy that he has made the list of nominees at 37, a few have questioned whether the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's performances this season truly warrant the recognition.

Messi, who won the award last year, is on the shortlist that includes stars like Vin­cius Jºnior, Rodri, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe. However, the debate centres around Messi’s performance in Major League Soccer (MLS) compared to players competing in Europe’s top leagues.

Is MLS Competitive Enough?

After a challenging time at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi joined Inter Miami in MLS, where he’s impressed with 21 goals in 22 matches in this season alone. But is that enough? The MLS, despite gaining global attention thanks to Messi’s arrival, still doesn’t compare to Europe’s elite leagues like La Liga or the Premier League.

The other nominees represent teams like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, competing in some of football’s toughest tournaments. While Messi has boosted MLS’s visibility, many feel it’s too soon to place the league on the same level as Europe’s giants.
Adding fuel to the fire, FIFA recently announced Inter Miami’s inclusion in the revamped Club World Cup. Critics say this is an attempt to capitalise on Messi’s star power, further fueling claims of favouritism.

The Cristiano Ronaldo factor

Another layer to the controversy is the omission of Messi’s long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo has had a stellar season at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 13 goals in 18 matches. He also outshone Messi in international matches, with 7 goals and 2 assists for Portugal compared to Messi’s 5 goals and 6 assists for Argentina.

If Messi’s MLS stats earned him a nomination, many argue Ronaldo deserved the same consideration for his performances in the Saudi league. However, Ronaldo has only been nominated for the FIFA Best Striker Award, which has left many questioning the consistency of FIFA’s decisions.

Measuring Up to the Best

The competition Messi faces is fierce. Haaland has 17 goals in 17 games this season and played a massive role in Manchester City’s historic treble. Rodri won the UEFA Euro with Spain and another Premier League title with Manchester City. Vin­cius Jºnior has been a star for Real Madrid, helping them excel in La Liga and the Champions League.

Messi, meanwhile, won the Copa América with Argentina but is yet to secure a club trophy this season. While his numbers are impressive, some believe they don’t stack up to what his rivals have achieved in tougher leagues and competitions.

Messi’s inclusion in the FIFA Best shortlist underscores his enduring influence on the sport. However, the debate highlights broader concerns about fairness in recognising performances across varying competitive landscapes. Whether his MLS achievements warrant inclusion alongside Europe’s best remains a polarising question among football fans and pundits alike.